Haebaru 南風原町 |
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Town | ||
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Location of Haebaru in Okinawa Prefecture |
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Location in Japan | ||
Coordinates: 26°11′28″N 127°43′43″E / 26.19111°N 127.72861°ECoordinates: 26°11′28″N 127°43′43″E / 26.19111°N 127.72861°E | ||
Country | Japan | |
Region | Kyushu | |
Prefecture | Okinawa Prefecture | |
District | Shimajiri | |
Area | ||
• Total | 10.72 km2 (4.14 sq mi) | |
Population (March 1, 2008) | ||
• Total | 34,586 | |
• Density | 3,226.31/km2 (8,356.1/sq mi) | |
Symbols | ||
• Tree | Ebony | |
• Flower | Bougainvillea | |
Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) | |
City hall address | 686 Aza Kanegusuku, Haebaru-chō, Shimajiri-gun 901-1195 |
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Website |
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Haebaru (南風原町 Haebaru-chō?, Okinawan: Feebaru) is a town located in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
As of 2005, the town has an estimated population of 34,020 and a density of 3174 persons per km². The total area is 10.72 km². It is one of the only landlocked towns in Okinawa, but its central location ensures traffic and business remain healthy.
Haebaru is located in the south of Okinawa Island directly southeast of the prefectural capital of Naha.
Haebaru is home to several pachinko parlors, as well as a skate and BMX ramp under the Okinawa Expressway. There is a large ÆON shopping complex and hypermarket.
Haebaru is the birthplace of Ultraman, a fictional television character that grows to a giant size and wrestles with giant monsters. The town is also home to a traditional Ryukyuan craft producing woven fabric or kasuri. It is produced at workshops in Haebaru.
In June 2007 dugout bunkers used as military hospitals during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa were opened to the public for tours. In spring 2011, local junior high students began training as peace tour guides in a work experience program aiming to guide members of the public around the caves.